If you are about to start a career and are torn between HVAC vs. Plumbing, then we can help you decide which way to go.
When it comes down to a skilled trade, both are promising fields and are necessary for the comfort and functionality of our homes and buildings. So, how to decide which one to choose?
We will begin our discussion by looking into the trade of HVAC and plumbing, along with some valuable tips to consider.
The Trade of HVAC – A Climate Control Technology
The focus of this trade is controlling the indoor quality and temperature of air. This means that if you want to pursue a career in this trade, then you will have to evaluate a heating and cooling system for any issues. After that, you will devise a preventive measure to rectify the issue. Thus, assuring a system is performing efficiently.
Core Duties of an HVAC Professional
Some of the core duties an HVAC professional has to perform are as follows:
- Visiting and surveying the site ahead of the installation of a heating and cooling system
- Assist in the placement planning for piping, ducts, etc.
- Also, working closely with the estimators to ensure that the HVAC Estimating services for takeoff are accurately performed
- That brings us to the next duty, assuring all the components are on the field and ready to install
- Performing quality control inspections to ensure a system’s working proficiency.
- If a fault arises during inspection, carry out appropriate maintenance activities.
Well, there you have some of the prominent responsibilities of this trade. Let’s go to the next section, and that is plumbing!
Plumbing Profession: What Does It Necessitate?
When discussing plumbing, the first thing that comes to mind is the installation of water plumbing lines. But that is just one aspect of many! This trade not only involves installing, but also maintenance and repair. This can be for water lines, sewage, or drainage. This trade is indeed a vast one, as with time, the techniques and materials used in plumbing have evolved.
Functions of a Plumbing Expert
The role of a plumbing expert is multifaceted because it encompasses a variety of tasks. The following are some key functions a plumber undertakes:
- Installation of the entire plumbing system, from laying pipes to setting fixtures, installing faucets, and hooking up appliances
- One of their functions is to regularly inspect the plumbing system during and after the installation process. They use specialized cameras and inspection tools to check for leaks and other related issues.
- These experts are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of any component in the plumbing system.
- A plumbing expert hired from a well-known organization will give access to their profound customer services. For instance, if you hire a plumber technician from SMA MEP Estimate, you will not only get an expert for the physical work, but also competent and reliable Plumbing Estimating services for your system.
In the next section, we will discuss some viable information for each trade. So, keep reading and explore some valuable insights.
Imperative Trade Information
The Work Nature
An HVAC specialist will make sure to install an HVAC system that meets the demand for heating and cooling. This means they have to make sure that an HVAC system is performing and delivering efficiently.
The plumbing trade involves installing and repairing the piping system that can effectively carry water, gases, and waste.
Trade-related Recognition
For an HVAC expert, it is necessary to complete the required training and acquire appropriate certification and licensing to get recognized in the industry. This involves passing the relevant exam conducted by the specific state you are working in.
- In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency requires all individuals to be certified for working in the HVAC trade.
For the trade of plumbing, undergoing formal training through various apprenticeship programs is necessary. Similar to HVAC, plumbers also need to get a license from the state where they want to work. Here is a list of various state institutes in the United States offering plumbing licenses:
- California State License Board
- Florida Construction Licensing Board
- Georgia State Division for Master and Journeyman Plumbers
Trade Demand in the Market
Climate is changing rapidly, and so is the demand for HVAC systems for homes and commercial buildings. Also, HVAC systems need to be upgraded to be more energy efficient, which significantly increases the demand for more skilled HVAC professionals.
Plumbing is an evergreen trade because no matter how much your buildings you have, a piping system for water, drainage, and waste is always required. Also, as a structure wears & tears, so does a plumbing system, which means occasional repair is essential.
Earning Opportunities
Talking about HVAC professionals, the more skilled they are, the more they will earn. Furthermore, getting appropriate licensing will surely boost your chances of earning more or even being hired by a well-known organization. The average salary range of an HVAC professional in the United States is around $72000 – $83000.
For the trade of plumbing, there are opportunities to earn more if an individual specializes in a specific area. Other than that, taking on emergency work is a perfect situation to earn more in this trade. A plumber’s average salary per year falls in the range of $69000 – $80000.
Training Duration: How Long Does It Take?
One important factor to consider when comparing HVAC and plumbing careers is the time it takes to become job-ready.
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HVAC Training: Most HVAC programs at technical schools last between 6 months to 2 years. After that, additional time may be needed for apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
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Plumbing Training: Plumbing training generally requires a longer apprenticeship, typically 4–5 years before becoming a licensed journeyman plumber. However, apprentices are usually paid while they learn, making it financially manageable.
If you want to enter the workforce quickly, HVAC may be the faster option. On the other hand, plumbing provides a more traditional apprenticeship model with gradual skill development.
Conclusion
HVAC vs. Plumbing: Which way to go? Both of these trades are essential, offering promising career paths. So, the trade choice is affected by your interests, strengths, and long-term goals.
If you want quicker training and enjoy working with mechanical systems, HVAC might be a better fit. If you prefer hands-on construction work with a wide range of repair and installation opportunities, plumbing could be the trade for you.
Whether you choose HVAC or plumbing, this article has outlined all the relevant and necessary information. This information will not only help you to a great extent, but will also guide you in your career to make the right decision.